HRLN conducts program on reproductive rights

A two-day state-level consultation on ‘Using the Law to ensure reproductive and sexual health rights’ was organised by Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) on May 30-31 at the Jubilee Memorial Centre, Kohima.
Advocate Kezhosano Kikhi in her opening remarks stated the objectives of the program and explained how HRLN has been working in the state.
Sarita Barpanda, the director for the Reproductive Rights Initiative, spoke candidly about Maternal Health and the need for respectful and dignified care.
She highlighted key schemes, benefits and entitlements introduced by the government, and emphasized how the healthcare system was failing women in Nagaland, resulting in avoidable maternal and infant deaths and the “appalling” treatment of pregnant women.
 Zahra Wynne, a researcher based in the Delhi office of HRLN, provided a situational analysis of reproductive and sexual health in Nagaland, and evaluated the state’s National Health Mission. She noted that Nagaland’s high maternal mortality rate, unmet need for contraceptive information and services, and declining awareness of HIV, as a justification to improve public health services in the state. Kezhokhoto Savi, assistant professor at Kohima Law College and president of Nagaland Voluntary Consumers Organisation (NVCO), apprised the Maternal Benefits Schemes under National Food Security Act, 2013 and its implementation in the state of Nagaland.
On the second day, notable issues of contraceptive information and services under the family planning program and highlights from Supreme Court petitions and judgments on unethical sterilization camps conducted in various parts of Indian states were presented by Zahra Wynne and Sarita Barpanda respectively.
The lack of access to contraception and the continuing push for female sterilization in the country was noted as a human rights violation.  
Other important health and social issues featured were the problems and challenges faced by People Living with HIV (PLHIV) by Lanu, president of NNP+.
He highlighted the levels of social and personal stigma attached to PLHIV, and its visible implications in contemporary society.
He also stressed the need for collaboration from Church bodies and other civil society organisations, in order to extend helping hands in supporting, educating and sensitizing the public with regard to issues concerning PLHIV.
Yanpvuo Kikon outlined the use of social media and the internet as a tool for social activism.
HRLN, a network of lawyers, researchers, and social activists working against human rights violations in India, provided this platform to discuss and deliberate on Reproductive Rights, Maternal Health Care, and Family Planning programs in the state with over hundred participants from various tribal student bodies, women’s associations, NGOs and final year students from Kohima Law College.